Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I asked my officials to urgently engage with representatives of higher education and the SEC to identify and address the necessary steps arising from the judgement. This group is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department. It has begun its work, with a dedicated focus on reviewing and assessing how the Leaving Certificate examination results, the appeals process, the offer of places and the commencement of the third level academic year must interact with each other in the interests of students. The co-operation and collaboration of all parties is essential to addressing the significant issues arising from this judgement of the High Court.

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) is the independent body responsible for the operation and delivery of the Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations. I am informed by the Commission that it has initiated an urgent review of the timelines for the Leaving Certificate Appeals Process, in line with the work of the aforementioned group, so that the Commission can contribute positively and fruitfully to these ongoing discussions.

This review has arisen in the context of a recent High Court judgement which highlighted a lack of coherence between the date of issue of the outcomes of the Leaving Certificate appeals process and the start of the higher education academic year.

My officials are continuing to engage with representatives from the higher education sector and the SEC to establish where changes can be made to the existing system. Details of any changes that may be made will be made available as soon as possible.